Silver Coin Dwelling Taniwha: Cave 2024, 1 ounce

The mintage of the silver investment coin has been limited to 10,000 pieces.

In Maori culture, the world of mythology plays an extremely important role and is full of references to supernatural beings inhabiting the ao wairua – the spiritual dimension of reality. Among them, taniwha occupy a special place. These powerful beings are capable of exerting both beneficial and destructive influences on humans and the natural world around them. Although often described as dangerous and frightening, they can take many forms. According to traditional beliefs, taniwha exist not only in the spiritual realm, but also in te ao kikokiko – the material world. Numerous oral traditions describe their presence, giving them names, indicating specific places where they live, and characterizing their appearance and form. Taniwha are also associated with waiata (songs) and haka (dances), which emphasize their importance in community life. In their earthly form, taniwha are often identified with the elements – water, wind, wood, or stone – which emphasizes their inseparable connection with nature. Both as heavenly and earthly beings, taniwha remain an integral part of te ao Māori and the cultural heritage of the peoples of Aotearoa, or New Zealand.

The reverse features an image of one of the taniwha associated with the earth. According to legend, on the tribal lands of the Te Arawa people, who originate from the central plateau of the North Island of Aotearoa (New Zealand), there is a rock that is said to be inhabited by taniwha. This rock is known as Te Kohatu o Hatupatu and has long been held in great reverence — people leave gifts there to honor the taniwha. The obverse features an image of King Charles III and the date of issue.